Trainee Project Leader Review

Generally, my role as a trainee project leaders involves assisting my team ( which deals with construction safety) in the delivery of projects on the parliamentary estate. On a day to day basis, my tasks include brainstorming ways to make processes more efficient through different software or platforms, compiling business cases, filling out timesheets and completing site visits. This is coupled with attending meetings alongside various stakeholders, such as the health and safety, maintenance and project delivery team.

During the course of my placement, I was able to learn many skills spanning across different fields. First and foremost, I was able to receive first hand experience in construction sites, which is helpful for me as an architect as it made me think about the logistical aspect of realising a design project. I was also able to learn or develop new digital tools such as the Microsoft Power Platform, which enables me to create low-code apps for my team.

At the initial stages of my placement, it was made clear to me that to accomplish the projects that were suggested to me, I would have to take leadership of my own time and be proactive with creating timelines or project outlines. I would say that in that sense, I was given enough responsibility. I was also chanced to complete projects with contractors hired by my employer which heightened the sense of responsibility. I was not given tasks I felt I could not handle.

During my placement, I received continued support and guidance from both my placement employer and from my university's careers service. During my placement, I had weekly sessions with my manager in which we would talk about my progress so far and my objectives for the upcoming weeks/months. I also had three different placement review visits from my university tutor which helped me identify my areas of improvement. Furthermore, as a participant of the RIBA scheme, I had no problem taking out time from work to visit my firm.

Integrating myself within the company was an interesting experience, due to the heritage attached to the House of Commons. I was very pleased with how flexible my team and my whole department in general were in regards to working from home, taking breaks and working in different office floors. I felt autonomous and able to communicate which working conditions would fit me best. In addition, everyday felt a little bit different due to the ever changing political landscape of the House of Commons.

I greatly enjoyed my placement and consider it one of my most memorable experiences. At the start of my placement, I did not know what to expect from it as I was not clear on what my responsibilities would be and how my team would benefit from my presence. However, almost one year on, I can say that not only have I gained many skills, friendships and experiences through this placement but I have also left my team with tangible contributions that were greatly appreciated.

Yes

To anyone applying for a role at the House of Commons, I would stress the importance of being able to take leadership of yourself. Working within UK Parliament requires employees to be proactive with completing projects or even suggesting areas for innovation. It is also very important to network across all the different teams and department present in the organization as that is the major way in which an individual's experience at Parliament can be enriched.